modality

noun

mo·​dal·​i·​ty mō-ˈda-lə-tē 

plural modalities

1

a

: the quality or state of being modal

b

: a modal quality or attribute : form

2

: the classification of logical propositions (see proposition sense 1) according to their asserting or denying the possibility, impossibility, contingency, or necessity of their content

3

: one of the main avenues of sensation (such as vision)

4

: a usually physical therapeutic agency

Examples of modality in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

If there are alternative imaging modalities that can answer the clinical question without radiation those options should be explored. —Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025

Therapy modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapies, EMDR, and somatic therapies can help manage symptoms but aren’t a fix-all amid ongoing discrimination. —Essence, 14 Apr. 2025

This includes the inability to timely and accurately diagnose life-altering or threatening conditions using imaging modalities which are essential in emergency medicine and trauma care. —Robert Glatter and Peter Papadakos, Time, 8 Apr. 2025

All villas at this all-inclusive resort have their own private pools and direct beach access; the spa offers a range of healing modalities, including a traditional Polynesian taurumi massage. —Laura Begley Bloom, AFAR Media, 25 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for modality

• banality
• bestiality
• brutality
• carnality
• centrality
• chirality
• duality
• fatality
• finality
• formality
• frugality
• legality

Medical Definition

modality

noun

mo·​dal·​i·​ty mō-ˈdal-ət-ē 

plural modalities

1

: one of the main avenues of sensation (as vision)

2

a

: a usually physical therapeutic agency

b

: an apparatus for applying a modality